He was predestined before the foundation of the world and has appeared at the end of the ages for your sake;

a stone over which men stumble and a rock of offence; they stumble over it in their disobedience to God's word. Such is their appointed doom.

Submit for the Lord's sake to any human authority; submit to the emperor as supreme,

let him shun wrong and do right, let him seek peace and make peace his aim.

Even supposing you have to suffer for the sake of what is right, still you are blessed. Have no fear of their threats, do not let that trouble you,

If you are denounced for the sake of Christ, you are blessed; for then the Spirit of glory and power, the Spirit of God himself, is resting on you.